3-3.5 stars

This was my first time reading this author, and it won’t be the last. I really enjoyed the author’s style, it was very easy to read.

I loved the MCs, Brett and Rylan were both great characters and their chemistry was amazing. The D/s aspect worked so well for me, and was really hot. Nothing extreme, some impact play. There were certain aspects about them that left we scratching my head asking, “Why?”. Brett’s sleeping in the bed issue for example, but they were relatively minor. But overall their relationship was really well done, with realistic conflicts.

Being primarily a thriller/mystery reader, I’m probably way harsher on this than I should be for a romance...but the mystery in this did not work for me at all. The whole thing felt implausible and illogical (which is entirely possible for murderers) but it just didn’t feel right. The motivation was odd to me, the actions and reasonings felt overblown. It was a bit predictable (which is ok for me as long as the story keeps me hooked), but not because it was a natural conclusion. I still am feeling confused about the reveal and catch.

But the romance and relationship were so well done, that I can forgive. Plus I just really loved the author’s voice, so I will be reading more from her. I highly recommend if you’re not overly picky and exacting (probably overly critical) about your mystery (like I am). This was easily a 4+ star otherwise.